On August 26, 2024, police and students from the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) clashed outside the university’s campus during a planned march to the Ministry of Education. Police arrested at least 43 students and assaulted several demonstrators.

The march was part of a hunger strike that had entered its 13th day. Students’ demands included an increase in the number of scholarships and the loosening of restrictions around campus protests.

Ahead of the protest, police placed multiple barricades outside the university and stated that students were not permitted to march outside the campus. During the march, students broke through the barricades before clashing with police.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/jnu-students-march-to-education-ministry-stopped-by-police-outside-campus-43-detained-3162268
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/delhi-police-stop-jawaharlal-nehru-university-students-march-to-education-ministry/cid/2043137
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/jnu-students-arrested-during-protest-to-ministry-of-education-ends-in-arrests-amid-ongoing-hunger-strike